Synthesis of amides and esters containing furan rings under microwave-assisted conditions

Article abstract of DOI:10.1515/chem-2021-0034

In this work, we present a novel method for the synthesis of ester and amide derivatives containing furan rings (furfural derivatives) under mild synthetic conditions supported by microwave radiation. N-(Furan-2-ylmethyl)furan-2-carboxamide and furan-2-ylmethyl furan-2-carboxylate were produced using 2-furoic acid, furfurylamine, and furfuryl alcohol. The reactions were carried out in a microwave reactor in the presence of effective coupling reagents: DMT/NMM/TsO^? or EDC. The reaction time, the solvent, and the amounts of the substrates were optimized. After crystallization or flash chromatography, the final compounds were isolated with good or very good yields. Our method allows for the synthesis of N-blocked amides using N-blocked amino acids (Boc, Cbz, Fmoc) and amine. As well as compounds with a monoamide and ester moiety, products with diamides and diester bonds (N,N-bis(furan-2-ylmethyl) furan-2,5-dicarboxamide, bis(furan-2-ylmethyl) furan-2,5dicarboxylate, and furan-3,4-diylbis(methylene) bis(furan-2-carboxylate)) were synthesized with moderate yields in the presence of DMT/NMM/TsO^– or EDC, using 2,5-furan-dicarboxylic acid and 3,4-bis(hydroxymethyl)furan as substrates.

Full text of DOI:10.1515/chem-2021-0034

Open Chemistry 2021; 19: 265–280
Research Article
Łukasz Janczewski*, Dariusz Zieliński, Beata Kolesińska
Synthesis of amides and esters containing furan
rings under microwave-assisted conditions
https://doi.org/10.1515/chem-2021-0034
received August 25, 2020; accepted February 8, 2021
1 Introduction
Abstract: In this work, we present a novel method for
the synthesis of ester and amide derivatives containing
furan rings (furfural derivatives) under mild synthetic
conditions supported by microwave radiation. N-(Furan-
2-ylmethyl)furan-2-carboxamide and furan-2-ylmethyl
furan-2-carboxylate were produced using 2-furoic acid,
furfurylamine, and furfuryl alcohol. The reactions were
carried out in a microwave reactor in the presence of
effective coupling reagents: DMT/NMM/TsO− or EDC.
The reaction time, the solvent, and the amounts of the
substrates were optimized. After crystallization or flash
chromatography, the final compounds were isolated with
good or very good yields. Our method allows for the
synthesis of N-blocked amides using N-blocked amino
acids (Boc, Cbz, Fmoc) and amine. As well as compounds
with a monoamide and ester moiety, products with dia-
mides and diester bonds (N,N-bis(furan-2-ylmethyl)
furan-2,5-dicarboxamide, bis(furan-2-ylmethyl) furan-2,5-
dicarboxylate, and furan-3,4-diylbis(methylene) bis(furan-
2-carboxylate)) were synthesized with moderate yields in
the presence of DMT/NMM/TsO– or EDC, using 2,5-furan-
dicarboxylic acid and 3,4-bis(hydroxymethyl)furan as
substrates.
The production of chemicals from biomass offers both
economic and ecological benefits, according to the prin-
ciples of the circular economy. Bioproducts are chemicals
that add value to biorefinery processes or materials
derived from renewable resources, such as commodity
sugars, lignocellulosic biomass, or algae. Ready-to-use
bio-compounds (e.g., solvents) or semifinished products
used as raw materials in further processes are especially
valuable [1–3]. The broad range of uses and wide variety
of bio-based products requires individual case studies of
each product. Among the many compounds that make
up biomass, more than 30 chemicals have been high-
lighted as having valuable applications [4–7]. These
compounds include acetic acid, acetone, acrylonitrile,
acrylic acid, adipic acid, benzene, butanediol (1,4-),
butadiene (1,3-), epichlorohydrin, ethyl acetate, ethyl
lactate, ethylene, fatty acids, fatty alcohols, FDCA, fur-
fural, glycerol, 3-HPA, isoprene, lactic acid, levulinic
acid, lipids, oxo chemicals, phenol, propanediol, propy-
lene glycol, sorbitol, succinic acid, THF, xylene (para),
PHA, and xylitol.
Furfural is one of the 30 compounds produced by
bio-refining biomass [8,9]. Furfural can be transformed
by selective hydrogenation, oxidation, hydrogenolysis,
and decarboxylation processes [10–14] into a number of
C4 and C5 compounds, which are important raw mate-
rials for the production of hydrocarbon fuels and fuel
additives, as well as for the synthesis of valuable chemi-
cals [15–18]. For the production of biofuels and fuel addi-
tives, furfural is most often selectively hydrogenated to
form 2-methylfuran (2-MF) and 2-methyltetrahydrofuran
(2-MTHF) [19,20]. Furfural can also be used as a substrate
for the production of various valuable C4 and C5 chemi-
cals, the most interesting of which are valerolactone,
pentanediols, cyclopentanone, dicarboxylic acids, buta-
nediol, and butyrolactone. Most of the C5 chemicals
derived from furfural are obtained by selective hydroge-
nation and/or hydrogenolysis. The C4 chemicals are
mainly synthesized by selective oxidation. Valuable
Keywords: microwave chemistry, furfuryl alcohol, furoic
acid, amides, coupling reagent

* Corresponding author: Łukasz Janczewski, Lodz University of
Technology, Faculty of Chemistry, Institute of Organic Chemistry,
116 Żeromski Str, 90-924 Łódź, Poland,
e-mail: lukasz.janczewski@p.lodz.pl
Dariusz Zieliński, Beata Kolesińska: Lodz University of Technology,
Faculty of Chemistry, Institute of Organic Chemistry, 116 Żeromski
Str, 90-924 Łódź, Poland
Open Access. © 2021 Łukasz Janczewski et al., published by De Gruyter.
International License.
This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0

266

Łukasz Janczewski et al.
O
O
O
chemicals derived from furfural thus include fuel compo-
nents, C5 chemicals, and C4 chemicals [4,21–25].
O
O
O
O
O
OH
NH2
O
OH HO
OH
HO
OH
Furfural and 5-(hydroxymethyl)furfural (HMF) are
also raw materials for the preparation of 2,5-furandicar-
boxylic acid (FDCA) [26–28]. FDCAs are of great interest,
due to their similarity to terephthalic acid (PTA), which is
a precursor to polyethylene terephthalate (PET) [29,30].
Due to its many excellent properties, PET is the main
material used in packaging. However, due to the poor
biodegradability of PET, there is great interest in finding
new biodegradable polyester materials. Furan-based
polymers could meet these requirements and thus reduce
the environmental impact of non-renewable packaging
materials [31–34]. An additional advantage of FDCA-
based polyesters is that renewable biomass can be used
to obtain raw materials for their production. Numerous
studies have described the production and properties of a
series of FDCA-based polyesters: poly(ethylenefuranoate)
(PEF) [35–37], poly(propylene furanoate) (PPF) [38], and
poly(butylene furanoate) (PBF) [39]. The gas perme-
ability of these polymers exceeds that of PET. It has
been reported that 2,2′-bifuran-5,5′-dicarboxylic acid
(BFDCA) can be used as a precursor for novel bio-based
polyamides and polyesters [40–42]. Derived from fur-
fural, BFDCA is a C10 biheteroaryl monomer useful in
the synthesis of new polymers [43–46].
1
2
3
4
5
O
S
O
N
O
N
C N
N
EDC (7)
N
N
MeO
N
OMe
DMT/NMM/TsO- (6)
Figure 1: Structures of substrates 1–5 and coupling reagents 6–7.
with condensing reagents would not require high tem-
peratures, long reaction times, and acid catalysts used in
classical methods of ester synthesis. As coupling reagents,
we selected 4-(4,6-dimethoxy-1,3,5-triazin-2-yl)-4-methyl-
morpholinium toluene-4-sulfonate (DMT/NMM/TsO–, 6)
and 1-ethyl-3-(3-dimethylaminopropyl)carbodiimide (EDC, 7).
Both DMT/NMM/TsO– [52,53] and EDC [54–56] are effec-
tive, inexpensive, and environmentally friendly coupling
reagents for the synthesis of amides, esters, and peptides
both in solution and in solid phases.
Classic methods of achieving polyamides and poly-
esters, including those derived from furan derivatives,
require extreme conditions (high temperatures, pressures)
or the use of sophisticated catalysts [47–51]. Therefore,
new, gentler, and more environmentally-friendly methods
of obtaining polyamides and polyesters are being sought.
Here, we investigate the microwave-assisted synthesis of
amide and ester derivatives containing a furan ring. These
derivatives could extend the pool of valuable compounds
derived from furfural, one of the products of biorefinery
transformations. The aim was to produce derivatives
derived from furfural containing one functional group
(2-furoic acid (1), furfurylamine (2), furfuryl alcohol
(3)), as well as disubstituted furan derivatives (2,5-furan-
dicarboxylic acid (4), and 3,4-bis(hydroxymethyl)furan
(5)) (Figure 1). This method would enable the synthesis
of peptides using Cbz-, Boc-, and Fmoc-protected sub-
strates as well as unnatural amino acids.
2 Experimental
2.1 Materials and methods
NMR spectra were measured on a Bruker Avance DPX
spectrometer (250.13 MHz for 1H NMR) and Bruker
1
Avance II Plus spectrometer (700 MHz for H NMR and
176 MHz for 13C NMR) in CDCl3 solution. H and 13C NMR
1
spectra were referenced according to the residual peak of
the solvent, based on literature data. The chemical shift
(δ) was reported in ppm and coupling constant (J) in Hz.
13C NMR spectra were proton-decoupled. A monomode
microwave reactor (CEM Discover) equipped with an
IntelliVent pressure control system was used. The stan-
dard method was applied, and the maximum pressure
was set to 250 psi. The temperatures of the reaction mix-
tures were measured with an external infrared sensor.
Flash chromatography was performed in a glass column
packed with Baker silica gel (30–60 μm). For TLC, silica
gel was used on TLC Al foils (Sigma-Aldrich) with an
indicator of 254 nm. All reagents and solvents were pur-
chased from Sigma-Aldrich (Poland) and used as
obtained. GC-MS spectra were measured on a GC-Perkin
Elmer Clarus 580, MS-Perkin Elmer Clarus SQ8S. Melting
We planned to use these derivatives in the synthesis
of compounds with amide and bis-amide moieties, as
well as ester and diester moieties containing a furan
ring. It was assumed that the selected starting substrates
would be obtained directly from furfural, confirming the
potential application of this molecule. The extremely
mild coupling conditions of microwave-assisted synthesis

Synthesis of furan derivatives in a microwave reactor

267
points were determined using a Büchi SMP-20 apparatus. (176 MHz, CDCl3): δ 171.2, 155.8, 137.8, 136.8, 129.4, 128.8,
Mass spectrometry analysis was performed on a Bruker 128.7, 127.7, 127.5, 127.0, 80.3, 56.1, 43.5, 38.7, 28.3. IR
microOTOF-QIII (Bruker Corporation, Billerica, MA, USA) (ATR): 1,657 (CO), 1,521 (CO), 1,294 (NH), 1,233 (NH),
supplied with electrospray ionization mode and time of 1,169 (NH), 694 (Ar) cm−1. HRMS: 354.1907, ([M]+,
+
flight detector (TOF). IR spectra were measured on an FT- C21H26N2O3 ; calc. 354.1943). The analytical data are in
IR Alpha Bruker (ATR) instrument and were reported in agreement with those reported previously in the literature
cm−1. The furfuryl alcohol and 3,4-bis(hydroxymethyl) [58].
furan were commercially available (Sigma-Aldrich).
2.2.3 (S)-N-Cbz-phenylalanine benzylamide (17b)
2.2 General procedure for the synthesis of
White solid, mp 140–141°C (lit. 142–144°C). Yield 88%
1
(0.679 g). H NMR (700 MHz, CDCl3): δ 7.37–7.34 (m, 3H,
amides 15, 17a–b, and 18
CHAr), 7.31–7.24 (m, 8H, CHAr), 7.19–7.18 (m, 2H, CHAr),
7.09–7.08 (m, 2H, CHAr), 6.24 (bs, 1H, NH), 5.52 (bs, 1H,
NH), 5.06–5.01 (m, 2H, OCH2Ph), 4.49–4.48 (bs, 1H, CH),
4.39–4.30 (m, 2H, PhCH2CH), 3.16–3.06 (m, 2H, NHCH2Ph).
13C NMR (176 MHz, CDCl3): δ 170.8, 156.1, 137.6, 136.5, 136.2,
129.4, 128.8, 128.7, 128.6, 128.3, 128.1, 127.8, 127.6, 127.1,
67.1, 56.5, 43.6, 38.9. IR (ATR): 1,685, 1,644 (CO), 1,529,
1,236 (NH), 741 (Ar), 694 (Ar) cm−1. HRMS: 389.1815,
In a 10 mL pressure vial equipped with a magnetic bar, acid
1, 13, or 16a–b (2.6 mmol, 1.3 equiv.), DMT/NMM/TsO– (6)
(1.076 g, 2.6 mmol, 1.3 equiv.), and NMM (0.09 mL,
0.78 mmol, 0.3 equiv.) were dissolved in DCM (3 mL).
Next, amine 2 or 14 (2 mmol 1 equiv.) was added dropwise,
and the reaction was performed under MW conditions
(standard mode, 10 min, 90°C). After this time, the reac-
tion mixture was diluted with DCM (50 mL), washed suc-
cessively using H2O (5 mL), 1 N HCl (2 × 5 mL), H2O (5 mL),
1 M NaOH (2 × 5 mL), and H2O (5 mL), and then dried under
anhydrous MgSO4. The crude products were purified by
crystallization (ethyl acetate/hexane).
+
([M + H]+, C24H25N2O3 ; calc. 389.1860). The analytical
data are in agreement with those reported previously in
the literature [59].
2.2.4 N-(Furan-2-ylmethyl)furan-2-carboxamide (18)
White solid, 79–80°C. Yield 84% (0.32 g). 1H NMR (700 MHz,
CDCl3): δ 7.41 (dd, JHH = 1.7 Hz, JHH = 0.8 Hz, 1H, CHAr), 7.35
2.2.1 N-Benzyl-p-chlorobenzamide (15)
(dd, JHH = 1.8 Hz, JHH = 0.8 Hz, 1H, CHAr), 7.12 (dd, JHH
=
White solid, mp 163–164°C (lit. 161–163°C). Yield 88%
(0.433 g). 1H NMR (250 MHz, CDCl3): δ 7.72 (d, JHH
=
3.5 Hz, JHH = 0.8 Hz, 1H, CHAr), 6.7 (bs, 1H, NH), 6.47 (dd,
JHH = 3.5 Hz, JHH = 1.8 Hz, 1H, CHAr), 6.32 (dd, JHH = 3.2 Hz,
JHH = 1.9 Hz, 1H, CHAr), 6.27 (dd, JHH = 3.2 Hz, JHH = 0.7 Hz,
1H, CHAr), 4.59 (d, JHH = 5.7 Hz, 2H, CH2). 13C NMR (176 MHz,
CDCl3): δ 158.1 (1C, CO), 151.1 (1C, OCAr), 147.8 (1C, OCAr),
144.0 (1C, OCArH), 142.4 (1C, OCArH), 114.5 (1C, CArH), 112.2
(1C, CArH), 110.5 (1C, CArH), 107.7 (1C, CArH), 36.1 (1C, CH2).
IR (ATR): 1,700 (CO), 1,642 (CO), 1,590, 1,239 (NH), 1,007,
8.7 Hz, 2H, CHAr), 7.39 (d, JHH = 8.7 Hz, 2H, CHAr),
7.36–7.30 (m, 5H, CHAr), 6.46 (bs, 1H, NH), 4.62 (d, JHH
=
5.7 Hz, 2H, CH2). 13C NMR (176 MHz, CDCl3): δ 166.4 (1C,
CO), 138.1 (1C, CAr), 137.9 (1C, CAr), 132.8 (1C, CAr), 128.9 (4C,
4 × CArH), 128.5 (2C, 2 × CArH), 128.1 (2C, 2 × CArH), 127.8
(1C, CArH), 44.3 (1C, CH2). IR (ATR): 1,638 (CO), 1,592, 1,550,
1,482, 710 (Ar), 668 (Ar) cm−1. HRMS: 244.9791, ([M]+,
C14H12ClNO+; calc. 245.0607). The analytical data are in
agreement with those reported previously in the literature
[57].
746 (Ar), 699 (Ar) cm−1. HRMS: 191.0380, ([M+, C10H9NO3 ;
+
calc. 191.0582). New compound.
2.3 Procedure for the synthesis of (S)-N-
Fmoc-phenylalanine benzylamide (17c)
2.2.2 (S)-N-Boc-phenylalanine benzylamide (17a)
White solid, mp 132–133°C (lit. 134°C). Yield 83% (0.585 g).
1H NMR (700 MHz, CDCl3): δ 7.30–7.11 (m, 10H, CHAr), 6.26 In a 10-mL pressure vial equipped with a magnetic bar,
(bs, 1H, NH), 5.16 (bs, 1H, NH), 4.40–4.33 (m, 3H, PhCH2CH), N-Fmoc-phenylalanine 16c (0.503 g, 1.3 mmol, 1.3 equiv.),
3.13–3.07 (m, 2H, CH2Ph), 1.41 (s, 9H, 3 × (CH)3). 13C NMR DMT/NMM/TsO– (6) (0.538 g, 1.3 mmol, 1.3 equiv.), and

268
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Łukasz Janczewski et al.
NMM (0.45 mL, 0.39 mmol, 0.3 equiv.) were dissolved in using a 10-mL pressure vial. Next, furfuryl alcohol (3)
DCM (3 mL). Next, benzylamine (14) (1 mmol 1 equiv.) (0.17 mL, 2 mmol, 1 equiv.) was added, and the reaction
was added dropwise, and the reaction was carried under was carried out under MW conditions (standard mode,
MW conditions (standard mode, 40 min, 90°C). Next, the 30 min, 90°C). The reaction mixture was then diluted
reaction mixture was diluted with DCM (30 mL) washed with DCM (50 mL), washed successively using H2O (5 mL),
successively using H2O (3 mL), 1 N HCl (2 × 3 mL), H2O 1 N HCl (2 × 5 mL), H2O (5 mL), 1 M NaOH (2 × 5 mL), and
(3 mL), 1 M NaOH (2 × 3 mL), and H2O (3 mL), and dried H2O (5 mL), and dried under anhydrous MgSO4. Product
under anhydrous MgSO4. The crude products were puri- 19 was purified by flash chromatography (hexane/ethyl
fied by crystallization (ethyl acetate/hexane). White solid, acetate 10:1) and obtained as yellow oil with 71% yield
1
1
mp 193–195°C. Yield 73% (0.347 g). H NMR (700 MHz, (0.272 g). H NMR (700 MHz, CDCl3): δ 7.56 (dd, JHH
CDCl3): δ 7.76 (d, JHH = 7.1 Hz, 2H, CHAr), 7.53 (t, JHH 1.7 Hz, JHH = 0.9 Hz, 1H, CHAr), 7.43 (dd, JHH = 1.8 Hz,
7.1 Hz, 2H, CHAr), 7.40 (t, JHH = 7.1 Hz, 2H, CHAr), JHH = 0.8 Hz, 1H, CHAr), 7.19 (dd, JHH = 3.5 Hz, JHH
=
=
=
7.32–7.24 (m, 8H, CHAr), 7.17 (bs, 2H, CHAr), 7.06 (bs, 2H, 0.8 Hz, 1H, CHAr), 6.49–6.48 (m, 2H, 2 × CHAr), 6.37 (dd,
CHAr), 5.93 (bs, 1H, NH), 5.39 (bs, 1H, NH), 4.41–4.34 (m, JHH = 3.3 Hz, JHH = 1.8 Hz, 1H, CHAr), 5.28 (s, 2H, CH2).
5H, CH2CH, OCH2), 4.17 (t, JHH = 6.8 Hz, 1H, CH), 3.14–3.05 13C NMR (176 MHz, CDCl3): δ 158.4 (1C, CO), 149.2 (1C, CArO),
(m, 2H, NHCH2Ph). 13C NMR (176 MHz, CDCl3): δ 170.6, 146.6 (1C, CArH), 144.4 (1C, CArO), 143.5 (1C, CArH), 118.5 (1C,
143.8, 141.4, 137.6, 129.4, 128.9, 128.7, 127.9, 127.8, 127.7, CArH), 111.9 (1C, CArH), 111.2 (1C, CArH), 110.7 (1C, CArH),
127.2, 125.1, 120.1, 67.1, 56.6, 47.3, 43.7, 38.9. IR (ATR): 58.4 (1C, CH2). IR (ATR): 1,712 (CO), 1,289, 1,171, 1,104,
+
1,686, 1,651 (CO), 1,531, 1,258 (NH), 1,231 (NH), 738 (Ar), 744 (Ar) cm−1. HRMS: 192.0460, ([M]+, C10H8O4 ; calc.
+
697 (Ar) cm−1. HRMS: 476.2089, ([M]+, C31H28N2O3 ; calc. 192.0423). The analytical data are in agreement with those
476.2100). New compound.
reported previously in the literature [60].
2.6 Procedure for the synthesis of N,N-bis
(furan-2-ylmethyl)furan-2,5-
dicarboxamide (20)
2.4 Procedure for the synthesis of furan-2-
ylmethyl furan-2-carboxylate (19) using
DMT/NMM/TsO–
2,5-Furandicarboxylic acid (4) (0.468 g, 3 mmol, 1.5 equiv.),
DMT/NMM/TsO– (6) (1.242 g, 3 mmol, 1.5 equiv.), and NMM
(0.1 mL, 0.9 mmol, 0.3 equiv.) were dissolved in DCM (3 mL)
in a 10-mL pressure vial. After that, furfurylamine (2)
(0.18 mL, 2 mmol, 1 equiv.) was added dropwise, and the
reaction was carried out under MW conditions (standard
mode, 30 min, 90°C). The reaction mixture was then diluted
with DCM (50 mL), washed successively using H2O (5 mL),
1 N HCl (2 × 5 mL), H2O (5 mL), 1 M NaOH (2 × 5 mL), and
H2O (5 mL), and dried under anhydrous MgSO4. The pro-
duct was isolated after crystallization (ethyl acetate/
2-Furoic acid (1) (0.291 g, 2.6 mmol, 1.3 equiv.), DMT/
NMM/TsO– (6) (1.076 g, 2.6 mmol, 1.3 equiv.), and NMM
(0.09 mL, 0.78 mmol, 0.3 equiv.) were dissolved in DCM
(3 mL) using a 10-mL pressure vial. Next, furfuryl alcohol
(3) (0.17 mL, 2 mmol, 1 equiv.) was added and the reac-
tion was carried out under MW conditions (standard
mode, 30 min, 90°C). The reaction mixture was then
diluted with DCM (50 mL), washed successively using
H2O (5 mL), 1 N HCl (2 × 5 mL), H2O (5 mL), 1 M NaOH
(2 × 5 mL), H2O (5 mL), and dried under anhydrous
MgSO4. Product 19 was purified by flash chromato-
graphy (hexane/ethyl acetate 10:1) and obtained as
yellow oil with 49% yield (0.188 g).
hexane) with a yield of 37% (0.233 g). White solid, mp
1
163–164°C. H NMR (700 MHz, DMSO-d6): δ 8.95 (t, JHH
=
5.9 Hz, 2H, 2 × NH), 7.60 (dd, JHH = 1.8 Hz, JHH = 0.9 Hz, 2H,
2 × CHAr), 7.18 (s, 2H, 2 × CHAr), 6.41 (dd, JHH = 3.2 Hz, JHH
=
1.9 Hz, 2H, 2 × CHAr), 6.32 (dd, JHH = 3.2 Hz, JHH = 0.8 Hz,
2H, 2 × CHAr), 4.49 (d, JHH = 5.9 Hz, 4 H 2 × CH2). 13C
NMR (176 MHz, DMSO-d6): δ 157.4 (2C, 2 × CO), 152.1 (2C,
2 × CArO), 148.3 (2C, 2 × CArO), 142.8 (2C, 2 × CArH), 115.3
(2C, 2 × CArH), 111.0 (2C, 2 × CArH), 107.8 (2C, 2 × CArH), 35.6
(2C, 2 × CH2). IR (ATR): 1,732 (CO), 1,596, 1,570, 1,279,
2.5 Procedure for the synthesis of furan-2-
ylmethyl furan-2-carboxylate (19)
using EDC
+
738 cm−1. HRMS: 315.0944, ([M + H]+, C16H15N2O5 ; calc.
2-Furoic acid (1) (0.672 g, 6 mmol, 3 equiv.) and EDC (7)
(1.06 mL, 6 mmol, 3 equiv.) were dissolved in DCM (3 mL)
315.0975). New compound.

Synthesis of furan derivatives in a microwave reactor

269
2.6.1 N-(Furan-2-ylmethyl)-4,6-dimethoxy-1,3,5-triazin- (hydroxymethyl)furan (5) (0.1 mL, 1 mmol, 1 equiv.) was
2-amine (21)
then added. The reaction was carried out under MW
conditions (standard mode, 30 min, 90°C). The reaction
Yield 23%. White solid, mp 105–106°C. 1H NMR (700 MHz, mixture was next diluted with DCM (50 mL), washed suc-
DMSO-d6): δ 8.33 (t, JHH = 6.0 Hz, 1H, NH), 7.55 (dd, JHH
1.8 Hz, JHH = 0.8 Hz, 1H, CHAr), 6.37 (dd, JHH = 3.2 Hz, 1 M NaOH (2 × 5 mL), and H2O (5 mL), and dried under
JHH = 1.8 Hz, 1H, CHAr), 6.25 (dd, JHH = 3.2 Hz, JHH anhydrous MgSO4. The product was isolated as a yellow
=
cessively using H2O (5 mL), 1 N HCl (2 × 5 mL), H2O (5 mL),
=
0.8 Hz, 1H, CHAr), 4.47 (d, JHH = 6.0 Hz, 2H, CH2), 3.84 oil after flash chromatography (hexane:ethyl acetate 5:1)
(s, 3H, CH3), 3.81 (s, 3H, CH3). 13C NMR (176 MHz, DMSO- and PTLC (hexane:acetone 3:1) with 9% (0.09 g) of yield.
d6): δ 172.4 (1C, CArOMe), 172.2 (1C, CArOMe), 168.1 (1C, 1H NMR (700 MHz, CDCl3): δ 7.55 (s, 2H, 2 × CHAr), 7.53 (s,
CArNH), 152.6 (1C, CArO), 142.4 (1C, CArH), 110.9 (1C, 2H, 2 × CHAr), 7.14 (d, JHH = 3.5 Hz, 2H, 2 × CHAr), 6.46 (dd,
CArH), 107.4 (1C, CArH), 54.6 (1C, CH3O), 54.6 (1C, CH3O), JHH = 3.5 Hz, JHH = 1.7 Hz, 2H, 2 × CHAr), 5.29 (s, 4H, 2 ×
37.6 (1C, CH2). IR (ATR): 1,619, 1,570, 1,459, 1,360, 1,341, CH2). 13C NMR (176 MHz, CDCl3): δ 158.5 (2C, 2 × CO), 146.5
1,105, 1,071, 1,049, 812 cm−1. HRMS: 236.1292, ([M]+, (2C, 2 × CArH), 144.5 (2C, 2 × CArO), 143.2 (2C, 2 × CArH),
+
C10H12N4O3 ; calc. 236.0909). New compound.
119.8 (2C, 2 × CAr), 118.3 (2C, 2 × CArH), 111.9 (2C, 2 × CArH),
56.8 (2C, 2 × CH2). IR (ATR): 1,729 (CO), 1,706 (CO), 1,469,
1,306, 1,181, 1,112, 760 (Ar) cm−1. HRMS: 317.0659; ([M +
+
H]+, C16H13O7 ; calc. 317.0656). New compound.
2.7 Procedure for the synthesis of bis(furan-
2-ylmethyl) furan-2,5-dicarboxylate (22)
2.8.1 (4-(Hydroxymethyl)furan-3-yl)methyl furan-
2-carboxylate (24)
In a 10-mL pressure vial, 2,5-furandicarboxylic acid (4)
(0.468 g, 3 mmol, 1.5 equiv.) and EDC (7) (1.06 mL, 6 mmol,
3 equiv.) were dissolved in DCM (3 mL). Furfuryl alcohol
(3) (0.17 mL, 2 mmol, 1 equiv.) was then added. The reac-
tion was carried out under MW conditions (standard mode,
30 min, 90°C). The reaction mixture was then diluted with
DCM (50 mL), washed successively using H2O (5 mL), 1 N
HCl (2 × 5 mL), H2O (5 mL), 1 M NaOH (2 × 5 mL), and H2O
(5 mL), and dried under anhydrous MgSO4. The product was
isolated as a yellow oil after flash chromatography (hexane:
Yield (35%), white solid, mp 89–90°C. 1H NMR (700 MHz,
CDCl3): δ 7.56 (s, 1H, CHAr), 7.51 (s, 1H, CHAr), 7.42 (s, 1H,
CHAr), 7.20 (d, JHH = 3.5 Hz, 1H, CHAr), 6.50 (dd, JHH
=
3.5 Hz, JHH = 1.7 Hz, 1H, CHAr), 5.28 (s, 2H, CH2), 4.60 (s,
2H, CH2OH), 2.28 (bs, 1H, OH). 13C NMR (176 MHz, CDCl3):
δ 158.5 (1C, CO), 146.6 (1C, CArH), 144.4 (1C, CArO), 143.2
(1C, CArH), 141.5 (1C, CArH), 124.7 (1C, CArH), 119.4 (1C,
CArH), 118.6 (1C, CArH), 112.1 (1C, CArH), 57.2 (1C, CH2),
55.2 (1C, CH2). IR (ATR): 1,720 (CO), 1,564, 1,295, 1,178,
1,112, 1,013, 823, 729 (Ar) cm−1. HRMS: 222.0760, ([M]+,
1
ethyl acetate 3:1) with a of yield 7% (0.04 g). H NMR
(700 MHz, CDCl3): δ 7.43 (dd, JHH = 1.9 Hz, JHH = 0.8 Hz,
+
2H, 2 × CHAr), 7.20 (s, 2H, 2 × CHAr), 6.48 (dd, JHH
=
C11H10O5 ; calc. 222.0528). New compound.
3.3 Hz, JHH = 0.6 Hz, 2H, 2 × CHAr), 6.36 (dd, JHH = 3.3 Hz,
JHH = 1.8 Hz, 2H, 2 × CHAr), 5.30 (s, 4H, 2 × CH2). 13C NMR
(176 MHz, CDCl3): δ 157.3 (2C, 2 × CO), 148.6 (2C, 2 × CArO),
146.2 (2C, 2 × CArO), 143.4 (2C, 2 × CArH), 118.7 (2C, 2 × CArH),
111.4 (2C, 2 × CArH), 110.6 (2C, 2 × CA+rH), 58.6 (2C, 2 × CH2).
HRMS: 317.0658; ([M + H]+, C16H13O7 ; calc. 317.0656). New
compound.
2.9 Synthesis of furoic acid (1)
2.9.1 Synthesis of furoic acid (1) using H2O2 and CuCl as
a catalyst
Freshly distilled furfural (4.15 mL, 50 mmol), CuCl (0.247 g,
2.5 mmol), and acetonitrile (100 mL) were placed in a
250-mL round-bottom flask, and 30% H2O2 (10.2 mL,
100 mmol) was slowly added to the mixture dropwise
for 30 min. The reaction was carried out at room tempera-
ture. An additional portion of 30% H2O2 (2.55 mL,
2.8 Procedure for the synthesis of furan-3,4-
diylbis(methylene) bis(furan-2-
carboxylate) (23)
In a 10-mL pressure vial, 2-furoic acid (1) (0.224 g, 25 mmol) was added after 2 h. After 4 h, the substrate
2 mmol, 2 equiv.) and EDC (7) (0.35 mL, 2 mmol, 2 equiv.) was found to be present, so another portion of 30%
were dissolved in DCM (3 mL), to which 3,4-bis H2O2 (2.55 mL, 25 mmol) was added. Stirring was

270
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Łukasz Janczewski et al.
continued for 20 h at room temperature. The solvent was 2.10 Synthesis of furfurylamine (2)
then removed under reduced pressure, and H2O (40 mL)
and saturated NaHCO3 solution were added to the residue 2.10.1 Synthesis according to the original procedure
to obtain pH 8.5. The aqueous phase was extracted with
ethyl acetate (2 × 30 mL). The aqueous layer was acidi- Furfural (5 mL, 60 mmol), NH2OH (5.04 g, 72.4 mmol),
fied to pH 2 with 2 N HCl, then extracted with ethyl and H2O (10 mL) were placed in a 250-mL three-necked
acetate (3 × 30 mL). The combined organic layers were flask. To the mixture, 15 mL of 2.4 M Na2CO3 solution was
dried over anhydrous Na2SO4. The solvent was evapo- added, and the solution was heated to 60°C. Next, H2O
rated under reduced pressure to give 1.87 g (38%) of the (16.5 mL), zinc dust (27.6 g, 422.5 mmol), NH4Cl (16.1 g,
product as a yellow solid. The structure of the obtained 309 mmol), and ZnCl2 (0.82 g, 6.0 mmol) were added.
product was confirmed based on NMR analysis of the Stirring was continued for 15 min. All insoluble com-
crude product.
pounds were filtered off under reduced pressure, and 6 M
1
Yellow solid, mp 129–130 °C (lit. [61] 130–132°C). H NaOH (100 mL) solution was added to the filtrate. The aqu-
NMR (CDCl3, 700 MHz): δ 12.0 (bs, 1H, OH), 7.64 (s, 1H, eous phase was extracted using n-heptane (3 × 200 mL).
CHAr), 7.33 (d, 1H, JHH = 3.4 Hz, CHAr), 6.55 (dd, 1H, JHH
=
The combined organic layers were dried over anhydrous
3.4 Hz, JHH = 1.6 Hz, CHAr). 13C NMR (CDCl3, 176 MHz): δ Na2SO4, and the solvent was evaporated under reduced
163.9 (1C, CO), 147.5 (1C, CArH), 143.9 (1C, CAr), 120.3 (1C, pressure. Furfurylamine (2) (0.92 g, 16%) was obtained as
+
CArH), 112.4 (1C, CArH). HRMS: 112.0181 ([M]+, C5H4O3 ; a light yellow liquid.
calc. 112.0160.
1H NMR (700 MHz, CDCl3) δ 7.27 (dd, JHH = 1.8 Hz,
The analytical data are in agreement with those JHH = 0.9 Hz, 1H, CHAr), 6.23 (dd, JHH = 3.2 Hz, JHH
reported previously in the literature [61].
=
1.8 Hz, 1H, CHAr), 6.05 (dd, JHH = 3.2 Hz, JHH = 0.8 Hz,
1H, CHAr), 3.73 (s, 2H, CH2), 1.35 (bs, 2H, NH2). 13C NMR
(176 MHz, CDCl3) δ 156.7 (1C, CArH), 141.4 (1C, CAr), 110.0
(1C, CArH), 104.8 (1C, CArH), 39.2 (1C, CH2). HRMS: 98.0452
([M + H]+, C5H8NO+; calc. 98.0600.
2.9.2 Synthesis of furoic acid (1) using t-BuOOH and
CuBr2 as a catalyst
The analytical data are in agreement with those
Freshly distilled furfural (0.83 mL 10 mmol), CuBr2 (111.6 mg, reported previously in the literature [62].
0.5 mmol), and acetonitrile (20 mL) were placed in a 100-mL
round-bottom flask equipped with a septum. The reaction
was carried out under nitrogen at room temperature. To the 2.10.2 Optimization experiment I
mixture, 70% t-BuOOH in H2O (1.3 mL, 10 mmol) was added
dropwise for 10 min. The progress of the reaction was mon- The reaction was performed according to the general pro-
itored by TLC. After 30 min, the solvent was evaporated cedure with the following changes: time of the second
under reduced pressure, and the residue was dissolved in step of the reaction, 20 min; extraction solvent, MTBE.
a saturated NaHCO3 solution (30 mL). The aqueous phase Product: furfurylamine (2), 3.66 g (63%). The product
was extracted with ethyl acetate (2 × 30 mL). The aqueous was spectroscopically identical to that described earlier.
phase was acidified to pH 2 using 1 M NaHSO4. The acidified
solution was extracted with ethyl acetate (2 × 30 mL). The
combined organic layers were dried over anhydrous Na2SO4. 2.10.3 Optimization experiment II
The crude product was crystallized from ethyl acetate–
hexane. A yellow product was obtained with a yield of The reaction was performed according to the general pro-
0.43 g (38%).
cedure with the following changes: time of the second
1
Yellow solid, mp 129–130°C (lit. [61] 130–132 °C). H step of the reaction, 30 min; extraction solvent, MTBE.
NMR (CDCl3, 700 MHz): δ 12.0 (bs, 1H, OH), 7.64 (s, 1H, Product: furfurylamine (2), 4.40 g (76%). The product
CHAr), 7.33 (d, 1H, JHH = 3.4 Hz, CHAr), 6.55 (dd, 1H, JHH
=
was spectroscopically identical to that described earlier.
3.4 Hz, JHH = 1.6 Hz, CHAr). 13C NMR (CDCl3, 176 MHz): δ
163.9 (1C, CO), 147.5 (1C, CArH), 143.9 (1C, CAr), 120.3 (1C,
+
CArH), 112.4 (1C, CArH). HRMS: 112.0181 ([M]+, C5H4O3 ; 2.10.4 Optimization experiment III
calc. 112.0160.
The analytical data are in agreement with those The reaction was performed according to the general pro-
reported previously in the literature [61].
cedure with the following changes: time of the second

Synthesis of furan derivatives in a microwave reactor

271
step of the reaction, 60 min; extraction solvent, MTBE. 2.11.4 Optimization experiment III
Product: furfurylamine (2), 4.40 g (76%). The product
was spectroscopically identical to that described earlier. The reaction was carried out according to the general pro-
cedure using 1,2-dichloroethane as the solvent. Reaction
time: 6 h. Product: 9.94 g (71%). The product was spectro-
scopically identical to that described earlier.
2.11 Synthesis of 2,5-furandicarboxylic
acid (4)
2.11.5 Optimization experiment IV
2.11.1 Synthesis of 2-(2-furanyl)-1,3-dioxolane
The reaction was carried out according to the general
(11) – general procedure
procedure using 1,2-dichloroethane as the solvent. Reaction
Catalytic amounts of Dowex® cationic ion exchange
resin, furfural (8.3 mL, 100 mmol), ethylene glycol (6.15 mL,
110 mmol), and solvent (50 mL) were placed in a 100-mL
round-bottom flask equipped with an azeotropic distillation
adapter and reflux condenser. The reaction was carried out at
the reflux temperature of the solvent. After the evolution of
water, the catalyst was filtered off, and then the organic
phase was washed with water (2 × 70 mL) and dried over
anhydrous K2CO3. After evaporation of the solvent, the crude
product was distilled under reduced pressure.
time: 8 h. Product: 11.48 g (82%). The product was spectro-
scopically identical to that described earlier.
2.11.6 Synthesis of 2-(5-formyl-2-furanyl)-1,3-
dioxolane (12)
Diisopropylamine (11.25 mL, 80 mmol) was placed in a
500-mL three-necked flask and cooled to −20°C. Then,
2.5 M butyllithium in hexane was added (30 mL, 75 mmol)
keeping the temperature at −20°C, and stirring was con-
tinued for 15 min. Next, THF (60 mL) was added, and the
solution was cooled to −80°C. In the next step, a solution
of 2-(2-furanyl)-1,3-dioxolane (7.51 g, 53.6 mmol) in THF
(25 mL) was added, and stirring was continued for 30 min
while the temperature was maintained at −80°C. After this
time, DMF (50 mL) was added, and stirring was continued
for 14 h, allowing it to rise slowly to room temperature.
Diethyl ether (200 mL) was added to the mixture, and the
solution was washed with water (4 × 150 mL). The aqueous
layers were extracted again with diethyl ether (2 × 200 mL).
The combined organic layers were dried over anhydrous
Na2SO4, and the solvent was evaporated off under reduced
pressure to give 4.33 g (48%) of the expected product.
1H NMR (700 MHz, CDCl3) δ 4.09–3.97 (m, 4 H), 5.92
(s, 1 H), 6.55 (d, 1H, J = 3.6 Hz), 7.13 (d, 1H, J = 3.6 Hz), 9.60
(s, 1H). 13C NMR (176 MHz, CDCl3) δ 65.4, 97.26, 110.6,
119.15, 152.9, 157.27, 178.1.
2.11.2 Optimization experiment I
The reaction was carried out according to the general
procedure using toluene as the solvent. Reaction time:
4 h. 2-(2-furanyl)-1,3-dioxolane was obtained with a yield
of 62% (8.68 g). The structure of the expected product 11
was confirmed based on analysis of NMR and GC-MS
spectra.
1H NMR (700 MHz, CDCl3) δ: 4.00 (ddd, 2H, J1 =
6.2 Hz, J2 = 4.0 Hz, J3 = 6.5 Hz), 4.13 (ddd, 2H, J1 = 6.2,
Hz, J2 = 4.0 Hz, J3 = 6.0 Hz), 5.93 (s, 1H), 6.36 (dd, 1H, J1 =
3.3 Hz, J2 = 1.8 Hz), 6.45 (dd, 1H, J1 = 3.3 Hz, J2 = 0.8 Hz,),
7.43 (dd, 1H, J = 1.8 Hz, J2 = 0.8 Hz). 13C NMR (176 MHz,
CDCl3) δ 65.1, 97.7, 108.7, 110.1, 143.12, 151.1. m/z: 140.076.
The analytical data are in agreement with those
reported previously in the literature [63].
The analytical data are in agreement with those
reported previously in the literature [63].
2.11.3 Optimization experiment II
2.11.7 Synthesis of furan-2,5-dicarboxaldehyde (9)
The reaction was carried out according to the general
procedure using toluene as the solvent. Reaction time:
8 h. Product: 10.08 g (72%). The product was spectrosco-
pically identical to that described above.
2-(5-Formyl-2-furanyl)-1,3-dioxolane (0.84 g, 5 mmol),
acetone (150 mL), and 6 N HCl (10 mL) were placed in

272
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Łukasz Janczewski et al.
a 250-mL round-bottom flask. The solution was heated in the presence of copper(I) chloride as a catalyst resulted
to reflux for 1 h. The solvent was evaporated under in 38% of yield (see ESI, Scheme S1, panel a). Replace-
reduced pressure, and CH2Cl2 (150 mL) was added to ment of the catalyst and using copper(II) bromide instead
the residue. The organic phase was washed with 15% of copper(I) chloride and tert-butyl hydroperoxide [66]
K2CO3 (3 × 100 mL) and H2O (100 mL) and dried over (see ESI, Scheme S1, panel b) resulted in the same yield
Na2CO3. The solvent was removed under reduced pres- (38%) as previously. The furfurylamine (2) was obtained
sure. The crude product was crystallized from a mixture in the described one-pot two-step reductive amination
of diethyl ether and n-heptane. Furan-2,5-dicarboxal- procedure [62] (see ESI, Scheme S2), using furfural
dehyde (9) was obtained with 95% (0.59 g) of yield.
1H NMR (750 MHz, CDCl3) δ 7.35 (s, 2H), 9.79 (s, 2H). Na2CO3 in an aqueous medium. In the second stage, fur-
13C NMR (176 MHz, CDCl3) δ 119.2, 154.3, 179.2.
furyloxime 10 was reduced to furfurylamine (2), with zinc
The analytical data are in agreement with those dust, NH4Cl, and ZnCl2 as reducing agents at 60 min with
(8) and hydroxylammonium chloride in the presence of
reported previously in the literature [63].
76% of yield (optimization see ESI, Table S1). The last
stage of our work on the synthesis of furfural derivatives
focused on 2,5-furandicarboxylic acid (4). The key inter-
mediate in this synthesis was furan-2,5-dicarboxalde-
hyde (9) [63]. This compound was obtained in a three-
2.11.8 Synthesis of 2,5-furandicarboxylic acid (4)
Synthesis was carried out according to the procedure for step synthesis process (see ESI, Scheme S3), where in the
the preparation of furoic acid (1), using t-BuOOH and first stage, 2-(2-furanyl)-1,3-dioxolane (11) was obtained
CuBr2 as catalyst. Starting materials: furan-2,5-dicarbox- after short optimization with 82% of yield (optimization
aldehyde (9) (1.241 g, 10 mmol), CuBr2 (111.6 mg, 0.5 mmol), see ESI, Table S2). The use of solvents with lower boil-
70% t-BuOOH in H2O (3.2 mL, 25 mmol). Product: 2,5-furan- ing points than toluene reduces the extent of furfural
dicarboxylic acid (4), 0.812 g (52%), mp = 341–343°C, lit. polymerization and thus increases the efficiency of the
mp = 340–345°C [65]. 1H NMR (700 MHz, DMSO-d6): δ 13.52 reaction. Then, the lithium diisopropylamide (LDA) was
(bs, 2H, OH), 7.28 (s, 2H, CHAr). 13C NMR (176 MHz, DMSO- prepared by treating n-butyllithium with diisopropyla-
+
d6): δ 159,3, 147.5, 118.8. HRMS: 156.0055 ([M]+, C6H4O5 ; mine in tetrahydrofuran (THF) was using. Given in the
calc. 156.0056.
publication temp. −80°C has been changed to −30°C
The analytical data are in agreement with those (easier to implement in industrial conditions), which
reported previously in the literature [64].
increased the yield from 48 to 61%. The final step was
the reaction of 2-(5-formyl-2-furanyl)-1,3-dioxolane (12)
Ethical approval: The conducted research is not related to with a mixture of acetone and 6 N HCl. The furan-2,5-
either human or animal use.
dicarboxaldehyde (9) was obtained with a 95% of yield.
Furan-2,5-dicarboxaldehyde (9) was used as a sub-
strate to obtain a 52% yield 2,5-furandicarboxylic acid (4)
by oxidation, with tert-butyl hydroperoxide and copper
(II) bromide which was used as a catalyst (see ESI,
Scheme S1, panel c).
3 Result and discussion
In the first stage of the research, furfural was used to
Prior to commencing experiments using the com-
obtain selected furfural derivatives: furoic acid (1), fur- pounds derived from furfural, we optimized the synthesis
furylamine (2), and 2,5-furandicarboxylic acid (4). The of model N-benzyl-p-chlorobenzamide (15) formed
syntheses of these compounds were made based on from 4-chlorobenzoic acid (13) and benzylamine (14).
known methods, changing the key parameters so that Optimization conditions were performed using a triazine
the developed methods were easier to use on a larger coupling DMT/NMM/TsO– (6) and a catalytic amount of
scale (parameters more friendly to production on an N-methylmorpholine (NMM). NMM is used as a catalyst to
industrial scale). In all cases, the raw material was fur- convert carboxylic acid to salt. The presence of the car-
fural, which is a product of acid-catalyzed xylose dehy- boxylic anion significantly accelerates the triazine ester
dration, making it one of the raw materials of biorefinery formation compared to the reaction of the carboxylic acid
transformations. Furoic acid (1) was synthesized using with DMT/NMM/TsO−. However, it is not advisable to use
the previously described methodology [65] based on the a stoichiometric amount or excess of NMM, as the forma-
oxidation of furfural (8). Using 30% aqueous hydrogen tion of carboxylic acid anhydrides is observed, which in
peroxide solution instead of tert-butyl hydrogen peroxide turn reduces the efficiency of the condensation reaction

Synthesis of furan derivatives in a microwave reactor

273
(lower yield of the products). Therefore, it is crucial to use (14) to 1.5 equiv. decreased the yield to 61% (Table 1,
such an amount of NMM to maximize the rate of triazine Entry 9). In contrast, increasing the amounts of 4-chloro-
ester formation while eliminating the formation of anhy- benzoic acid (13) and DMT/NMM/TsO– (6) to 1.3 equiv.
drides [67]. The MW conditions (time of reaction), sol- increased the yield of product 15 to 88% (Table 1, Entry
vents, and amounts of reagent were variable parameters. 10). Further increasing the amount of carboxylic acid
All experiments are presented in Table 1.
13 and coupling reagent 6 to 1.5 and 2.0 equiv. did not
All reactions were performed in a microwave reactor improve the reaction yield. As would be expected, per-
(standard mode, initial 200 W power). In the first stage, forming the reaction without coupling reagent resulted
the reaction time was optimized. It was found that per- in a lack of amide 15 (Table 1, Entry 11). EDC was also
forming the reaction within 5 min at 90°C resulted in a used as a coupling reagent. Replacing DMT/NMM/TsO–
66% yield of product 15 (Table 1, Entry 1), using 4-chloro- (6) with 1-ethyl-3-(3-dimethylaminopropyl)carbodiimide
benzoic acid (13) and benzylamine (14) as the substrates (EDC, 7) resulted in a lower yield of 54% (Table 1, Entry
and DMT/NMM/TsO– (6) in a ratio of 1:1:1, with methy- 12). Thus, DMT/NMM/TsO– (6) appears to be a much more
lene chloride (DCM) as a solvent. Increasing the time to effective reagent for the preparation of amide than EDC
10 min increased the yield up to 73% (Table 1, Entry 2). under microwave-assisted conditions.
However, further extension of the time to 30 min led to a
Before the synthesis of the target amides and esters
decrease in the yield to 65% (Table 1, Entry 3). Thus, time derived from furfural, we used the optimized conditions
10 min was considered the most optimal. Next, we exam- to synthesize amides protected with N-Boc-, N-Cbz-, and
ined the influence of the solvent on the reaction yield. N-Fmoc-L-phenylalanine (16a–c) (Table 2), as well as
The replacement of DCM with acetonitrile (ACN) slightly benzylamine (14). In all experiments, the ratio of N-pro-
decreased the yield to 72% (Table 1, Entry 4). The use of tected amino acids 16a–c to amine 14 and coupling
ethyl acetate (EtOAc), tetrahydrofuran (THF), or toluene agent 6 was 1.3:1:1.3 equiv. After crystallization, the final
enabled the synthesis of final compound 15 with satisfac- amides 17a–b were synthesized smoothly with yields of
tory but lower yields (69–55%) (Table 1, Entries 5–7). 83% and 88%, respectively (Table 2, Entries 1 and 2). The
Reaction without solvent gave amide 15 with 44% yield application of optimal conditions for the synthesis of
(Table 1, Entry 8). It was decided that DCM would be used amide 17c resulted in a low yield of 35% (Table 2, Entry 3).
in further studies. Increasing the amount of benzylamine The low yield of amide 17c may have resulted from the
Table 1: Optimization of the synthesis of N-benzyl-p-chlorobenzamide (15)a
O
O
6 7
or
MW
OH
NH2
N
H
+
Cl
Cl
13
14
15
Entry
MW conditionsb
Solventc
Coupling reagent
Ratio of substrates [equiv.]
13:14:6 (or 7)
Yield of 15 [%]d
Time [min]
Temp [°C]
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9e
10
11
12
5
90
90
90
90
90
90
90
90
90
90
90
90
DCM
DCM
DCM
ACN
EtOAc
THF
Toluene
—
DCM
DCM
DCM
DCM
6
6
6
6
6
6
6
6
6
6
—
7
1:1:1
1:1:1
1:1:1
1:1:1
1:1:1
1:1:1
1:1:1
1:1:1
1:1.5:1
1.3:1:1.3
1.3:1:0
1.3:1:1.3
66
73
65
72
69
67
55
44
61
88
0
10
30
10
10
10
10
10
10
10
10
10
54
a 10 mL pressure vial, amount of compound 14 (2 mmol), NMM (0.3 equiv.) relative to compound 6. b Standard mode – 200 W. c Amount of
solvent (3 mL). d Yield after crystallization (ethyl acetate/hexane). e Amount of compound 14 (3 mmol).

274
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Łukasz Janczewski et al.
Table 2: Synthesis of N-protected amides 17a–c
O
O
6
DMT/NMM/TsO- ( )
NMM, DCM
MW
OH
NH2
N
H
+
HN
HN
PG
PG
16a-c
PG:
a:
14
17a-c
O
O
O
b:
c:
O
O
O
Boc group
MW conditionsa
Cbz group
Fmoc group
Entry
Substrate/PG
Yield of 17 [%]b
Time [min]
Temp [°C]
1c
10
10
10
30
40
90
90
90
90
90
16a/Boc
16b/Cbz
16c/Fmoc
16c/Fmoc
16c/Fmoc
17a/83
17b/88
17c/35
17c/65
17c/73
2c
3d
4d
5d
a Standard mode – 200 W. b Yield after crystallization (ethyl acetate/hexane). c 10 mL pressure vial, conditions: N-protected amino acids
16a–b (2.6 mmol), benzylamine (14) (0.22 mL, 2 mmol), DMT/NMM/TsO– (6) (1.076 g, 2.6 mmol), NMM (0.09 mL, 0.78 mmol). d 10 mL
pressure vial, conditions: N-protected amino acid 16c (1.3 mmol), benzylamine (14) (0.11 mL, 1 mmol), DMT/NMM/TsO– (6) (0.538 g,
1.3 mmol), NMM (0.045 mL, 0.39 mmol).
lower solubility of 16c, as well as from greater steric hin-
In addition to signals from 19 and 3, signals from
drance due to the presence of the fluorene moiety in the unreacted DMT/NMM/TsO– (6) were also observed on
1
Fmoc group, which impeded access by the coupling the H NMR spectrum. Elongation of the reaction time
reagent. Lengthening the reaction time to 30 min or to 30 min led to increased conversion of ester 19 and a
40 min resulted in increased yields after crystallization reduction in the ratio of unreacted alcohol 3 from 1.0:1.4
to 65% and 73%, respectively (Table 2, Entries 4 and 5). to 1.0:0.7 (Table 3, Entry 2). The mixture of ester 19 and
Having found that DMT/NMM/TsO– (6) is also an substrate 3 was purified by flash chromatography, and
effective reagent for the synthesis of amides derived the final product furan-2-ylmethyl furan-2-carboxylate
from N-protected phenylalanine under microwave-assisted (19) was isolated with 49% yield (Table 3, Entry 2, foot-
conditions, we began research into the synthesis of amide note e). Performing the synthesis of ester 19 for 30 min at
and ester derivatives containing a furan ring. Initially, the 90°C with an excess of 2-furoic acid (1) (1.3 equiv.) and
optimal conditions were used to synthesize amide 18 using DMT/NMM/TsO– (6) (1.6 equiv.) did not improve the con-
2-furoic acid (1) and furfurylamine (2). The reaction was version of ester 19 (Table 3, Entry 3). To improve the
carried out under MW conditions (10 min, 90°C) in a 10- conversion of product 19, it was decided to replace
mL pressure vial in DCM with DMT/NMM/TsO– (6) as the DMT/NMM/TsO– (6) with EDC (7). Although EDC was
coupling reagent. The ratio of the equiv. of acid 1 to amine 2 not as effective as DMT/NMM/TsO– in terms of amide
and coupling reagent 6 was 1.3:1:1.3. N-(Furan-2-ylmethyl) bond formation, it was definitely more effective for the
furan-2-carboxamide (18) was obtained after crystallization,
with 84% yields (Scheme 1).
In the next stage, 2-furoic acid (1), furfuryl alcohol
O
6
O
DMT/NMM/TsO- ( )
(3), and DMT/NMM/TsO– (6) were used to form the ester
bond. Application of the optimal conditions (Table 1,
Entry 10) resulted in the expected 1H NMR spectrum sig-
nals from the final compound 19 as well as unreacted
alcohol 3 in a ratio of 1.0:1.4 (Table 3, Entry 1).
O
O
O
O
NMM, DCM
N
H
+
OH
NH2
MW: 10 min, 90°C
1
2
18 (84%)
Scheme 1: Synthesis of N-(furan-2-ylmethyl)furan-2-carbox-
amide (18).

Synthesis of furan derivatives in a microwave reactor

275
Table 3: Optimization of the synthesis of furan-2-ylmethyl furan-2-carboxylate (19)a
O
O
O
O
coupling reagent, DCM
MW
O
O
O
+
OH
OH
1
3
19
Entry
MW conditionsb
Ratio of substrates
[equiv.]
1:3
Coupling reagent [equiv.]
Ratio of compounds in
crude productc
19:3
Yield of
19 [%]h
Time [min] Temp [°C]
i
1d
10
30
30
90
90
90
1.3:1
1.3:1
1.3:1
DMT/NMM/TsO− (6)
[1.3 equiv.]
1.0:1.4
1.0:0.7
1.0:0.8
—
2d,e
3d
DMT/NMM/TsO− (6)
[1.3 equiv.]
49
i
DMT/NMM/TsO− (6)
[1.6 equiv.]
EDC (7) [1.3 equiv.]
EDC (7) [2 equiv.]
EDC (7) [3 equiv.]
DMT/NMM/TsO− (6)
[3 equiv.]
—
i
4
5
6f
7d,g
30
30
30
30
90
90
90
90
1.3:1
2:1
3:1
1.0:0.7
1.0:0.4
1.0:0.0
1.0:2.4
—
—
i
71
i
3:1
—
a 10 mL pressure vial, amount of compound 3 (2 mmol), DCM (3 mL). b Standard mode – 200 W. c Based on 1H NMR. d Catalytic amount of NMM
(0.3 equiv.) relative to compound 6. e Yield of product 19 after flash chromatography (hexane/ethyl acetate 10:1) – 49%. f Yield of product 19
after flash chromatography (hexane/ethyl acetate 10:1) – 71%. g Amount of compound 3 (0.5 mmol). h Yield after flash chromatography.
i Reaction not purified by flash chromatography.
formation of ester bonds. Application of the optimal con- acid (4) (1 mmol) for 10 min at 90°C resulted in a mixture
ditions (1.3 equiv. of 2-furoic acid (1), 1 equiv. of furfuryl of product 20 and an unidentified compound visible on
1
alcohol (3), 1.3 equiv. of EDC for 30 min at 90°C) resulted the H NMR spectrum. The ratio of the product and side
1
in a ratio of product 19 to unreacted furfuryl alcohol (3) of product in the crude mixture was 52%:48% based on H
1.0:0.7 (Table 3, Entry 4). Increasing the amount of NMR. Purification by flash chromatography resulted in
2-furoic acid (1) and EDC to 2 equiv. caused a reduction the isolation of pure product 20 with a 20% yield and
in the amount of unreacted alcohol (Table 3, Entry 5), of the side product N-(furan-2-ylmethyl)-4,6-dimethoxy-
whereas using 3 equiv. of carboxylic acid 1 and EDC (7) 1,3,5-triazin-2-amine (21) with a yield of 25% (Table 4,
1
resulted in a lack of furfuryl alcohol (3) on the H NMR Entry 1). Purification by crystallization (in a repeated
spectrum (Table 3, Entry 6). Furan-2-ylmethyl furan-2- reaction) resulted in the same yield of product 20. How-
carboxylate (19) was isolated by flash chromatography ever, the product was contaminated by the by-product.
1
with a 71% yield (Table 3, Entry 6, footnote f). Replace- The ratio of compounds 20:21 was 75:25% based on H
ment of EDC with DMT/NMM/TsO− and use of the best NMR (Table 4, Entry 1, footnote e). Further optimization
conditions (Table 3, Entry 6) resulted in the worse con- was performed to improve the yield of product 20 and
version of product 19 and an increased amount of reduce the amount of side product 21. Using equimolar
unreacted alcohol (Table 3, Entry 7).
amounts of amine 2, dicarboxylic acid 4, and coupling
Compounds with diamides and diester bonds are agent 6 under the same MW conditions resulted in a
another interesting group of furan derivatives. We first lower amount of side product 21. The ratio of compounds
1
synthesized N,N-bis(furan-2-ylmethyl)furan-2,5-dicar- 20:21 in the crude mixture was 82%:18% based on H
boxamide (20) using furfurylamine (2) and 2,5-furandi- NMR. The yield of N,N-bis(furan-2-ylmethyl)furan-2,5-
carboxylic acid (4). Reactions were carried out in a micro- dicarboxamide (20) after crystallization was 20%, and
wave reactor in the presence of DMT/NMM/TsO– (6) and the product was clean (Table 4, Entry 2). Increasing
NMM. The optimized conditions for these reactions are the amounts of DMT/NMM/TsO– (6) and 2,5-furandicar-
presented in Table 4.
boxylic acid (4) to 1.5 equiv. resulted in the presence
Application of a double excess of furfurylamine (2) of almost no side product 21. The yield of diamide 20
and coupling reagent 6 relative to 2,5-furandicarboxylic after crystallization was 37% (Table 4, Entry 3). Further

276

Łukasz Janczewski et al.
Table 4: Optimization of the synthesis of N,N-bis(furan-2-ylmethyl)furan-2,5-dicarboxamide (20)a
OMe
N
O
O
O
O
-
O
O
O
N
6
DMT/NMM/TsO ( ), NMM, DCM
+
+
HO
OH
NH2
N
H
N
H
O
O
O
MW
N
H
N
OMe
4
2
20
21
Entry
Ratio of substrates [equiv.]
MW conditionsb
Ratio of compounds [%]c
Yield of 20 [%]d
4:2:6
Time [min]
Temp [°C]
20:21
1
2
3
4
5f
6g
7
0.5:1:1
1:1:1
10
10
10
30
10
10
10
90
90
90
90
90
90
90
52:48
82:18
94:6
86:14
100:0
100:0
34:66
20e
20
37
31
19
22
8
1.5:1:1.5
1.5:1:1.5
1.5:1:1.5
1.5:1:1.5
0.65:1:0.65
a 10 mL pressure vial, amount of compound 2 (2 mmol), DCM (3 mL), catalytic amount of NMM (0.3 equiv.) relative to compound 6. b Standard
mode – 200 W. c Based on 1H NMR. d Yield after crystallization (hexane/ethyl acetate). e Product 20 contaminated by side-product 21 (25% of
1
f
21 based on H NMR). DCM replacement by ACN. g DCM replacement by DMF.
increasing the amounts of compounds 4 and 6 did not side product 21 in the crude mixture. However, the yields
improve the yield of product 20. When the reaction time of N,N-bis(furan-2-ylmethyl)furan-2,5-dicarboxamide (20)
was increased to 30 min with the application of 1 equiv. of were lower (19 and 22%, respectively). Application of the
amine 2, 1.5 equiv. of dicarboxylic acid 4, and reagent 6, conditions used for the synthesis of the monoamide 18
the amount of side product 21 in the crude mixture resulted to obtain a mixture of product 20 and side pro-
1
increased and the yield of product 20 decreased to 31% duct 21 in a ratio of 34:66% based on H NMR. After
(Table 4, Entry 4). Replacing DCM with ACN or DMF crystallization, the final product 20 was isolated with a
(Table 4, Entries 5 and 6) resulted in the presence of no low yield (8%) (Table 4, Entry 7).
Table 5: Optimization of the synthesis of bis(furan-2-ylmethyl)furan-2,5-dicarboxylate (22)a
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
coupling reagent, DCM
MW
+
HO
OH
OH
O
O
O
O
4
3
22
Entry
Ratio of substrates
[equiv.]
4:3
MW conditionsb
Coupling reagent [equiv.]
Ratio of compounds in
crude productc
22:3
Yield of 22 [%]f
Time [min] Temp [°C]
g
1d
1.5:1
30
90
DMT/NMM/TsO− (6)
[1.5 equiv.]
1.0:3.7
—
g
2
3
4e
5d
0.5:1
1:1
1.5:1
1.5:1
30
30
30
30
90
90
90
90
EDC (7) [1 equiv.]
EDC (7) [2 equiv.]
EDC (7) [3 equiv.]
DMT/NMM/TsO− (6)
[3 equiv.]
1.0:4.0
1.0:1.6
1.0:0.8
1.0:1.4
—
—
7
—
g
g
6
1.5:1
30
90
EDC (7) [1.5 equiv.]
1.0:2.1
—
a 10 mL pressure vial, amount of compound 3 (1 mmol), DCM (3 mL). b Standard mode – 200 W., c Based on 1H NMR. d Compound 3 (1 mmol),
catalytic amount of NMM (0.3 equiv.) relative to compound 6. e Yield of product 22 after flash chromatography (hexane/ethyl acetate
3:1) – 7%. f Yield after flash chromatography. g Reaction not purified by flash chromatography.

Synthesis of furan derivatives in a microwave reactor

277
O
O
O
O
O
EDC (7), DCM
O
O
O
O
O
O
+
+
OH
MW: 30 min, 90 °C
HO
OH
O
O
O
OH
5
1
23
24
(35%)
(9%)
Scheme 2: Synthesis of furan-3,4-diylbis(methylene)bis(furan-2-carboxylate) (23).
The synthesis of compounds with diesters bonds – (Scheme 2). Performing the reaction with 2 equiv. of
bis(furan-2-ylmethyl) furan-2,5-dicarboxylate (22) and 2-furoic acid (1), 1 equiv. of 3,4-bis(hydroxymethyl)furan
furan-3,4-diylbis(methylene) bis(furan-2-carboxylate) (1 mmol) (5), and 2 equiv. of coupling reagent EDC (7) for
(23) – was more problematic. First, we performed the 30 min at 90°C resulted in an excess of monoester (4-
synthesis of bis(furan-2-ylmethyl) furan-2,5-dicarboxy- (hydroxymethyl)furan-3-yl)methyl furan-2-carboxylate
late (22). Under the optimal conditions applied for the (24), which was isolated by flash chromatography with
synthesis of N,N-bis(furan-2-ylmethyl)furan-2,5-dicar- 35% yield.
boxamide (20) (Table 4, Entry 3), using 1 equiv. of furfuryl
Final product 23 was isolated after flash chromato-
alcohol (3) and 1.5 equiv. of both 2,5-furandicarboxylic graphy and preparative thin-layer chromatography (PTLC)
acid (4) and DMT/NMM/TsO– (6) for 30 min at 90°C with 9% yield (Scheme 2).
1
resulted in H NMR spectrum signals from final com-
pound 22, as well as unreacted alcohol 3 in a ratio of
1.0:3.7. However, the attempt to isolate product 22 using
4 Conclusion
flash chromatography failed (Table 5, Entry 1). Because
EDC was more effective for forming ester bonds than
DMT/NMM/TsO– (see Table 3), subsequent experiments
were conducted using EDC. Using a double excess of
alcohol 3 and EDC relative to dicarboxylic acid 4 (1 mmol)
resulted that the ratio of product 22 to unreacted alcohol
was 1.0:4.0 (Table 5, Entry 2). Increasing the amount of
dicarboxylic acid 4 to 1 equiv. or 1.5 equiv., with 2 equiv.
or 3 equiv. of EDC, respectively, resulted in a decrease in
In summary, this study shows that furfural derivatives
containing one functional group – 2-furoic acid (1), fur-
furylamine (2), furfuryl alcohol (3), as well as the disub-
stituted furan derivatives 2,5-furandicarboxylic acid (4)
and 3,4-bis(hydroxymethyl)furan (5) – can be used as
starting materials for the synthesis of new amides and
esters using classical coupling reagents under mild con-
ditions, supported by microwave radiation. Five final
compounds containing furan rings were synthesized using
a microwave reactor in the presence of DMT/NMM/TsO−
(6) or EDC (7) as a coupling agent. Two compounds with
single amide and ester bonds, N-(furan-2-ylmethyl)furan-
2-carboxamide (18) and furan-2-ylmethyl furan-2-carbox-
ylate (19), were obtained with yields of 84% and 49%,
respectively, using DMT/NMM/TsO−. Additionally, ester
19 was obtained with 71% yield in the presence of EDC.
Three compounds with two amide and ester bonds were
also synthesized. N,N-Bis(furan-2-ylmethyl)furan-2,5-
dicarboxamide (20) with two amide bonds was obtained
with 37% yield using DMT/NMM/TsO−. Bis(furan-2-
ylmethyl) furan-2,5-dicarboxylate (22) and furan-3,4-
diylbis(methylene) bis(furan-2-carboxylate) (23), both
with two esters bonds, were obtained in the presence of
EDC with only 7% and 9% yields, respectively. Therefore,
it can be concluded that both coupling agents (DMT/
NMM/TsO− and EDC) are efficient for the synthesis of
amide and ester derivatives containing a furan ring.
1
the amount of unreacted alcohol 3 on the H NMR spec-
trum (Table 5, Entries 3 and 4). Because further attempts
to increase the amount of acid 4 did not contribute to
reducing the amount of unreacted alcohol 3, bis(furan-
2-ylmethyl) furan-2,5-dicarboxylate (22) was isolated by
flash chromatography with a low yield (Table 5, Entry 4,
footnote e). The low yield of product 22 was also due to
the presence of many unidentified compounds. Applica-
tion of the optimal conditions (Table 5, Entry 4) and
the replacement EDC with DMT/NMM/TsO−increased the
amount of unreacted alcohol. The ratio of product 22 to
unreacted alcohol 3 was 1.0 to 1.4 (Table 5, Entry 5).
Applying the conditions used to synthesis of monoester
19 did not improve the ratio of product 22 to unreacted
alcohol (Table 5, Entry 6).
The second compound with two ester bonds, furan-
3,4-diylbis(methylene) bis(furan-2-carboxylate) (23), was
synthesized using 3,4-bis(hydroxymethyl)furan (5). Given
that EDC was responsible for better conversion of product
22, EDC was also used for the synthesis of diester 23

278
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Łukasz Janczewski et al.
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